Quote:You don't just learn offensive skills in Martial Arts, its called Self Defence for a reason.... not Self Attack if you think they might.

If I thought they were going to attack, I'd be prepared to defend and counter, not hit first.

Ofcurse you learn offensive skills! I'm on the other side of the coin with this one. If an attack is iminent,I'm dictating how it goes down,not waiting.

Depends on what kind of person you are, I've been told I'm "too nice." Ie. I let people walk all over me, in a self defence situation, I don't even know if I could ever hit the person, I hope I never have to find out.

Christie - This is what concerns me with my girls, especially my oldest. She is really nice. She has great skills but doesn't have a mean bone in hear body. I'm trying to teach her how to self-preserve and attack when needed and still be a nice girl.

If you know the fight is a go definitely hit first but hope there aren't a lot of witnesses. Unfortunately, a pre-emptive attack may be necessary but it is a hard sell to the cops. That said if you are going to get hurt bad if you don't then the option available is clear. I agree that if you can you should assume a hands up, distancing situation and in a crowd make loud and clear you do not want to fight. That way if it happens you will have made your case undeniable. That said if it's me or him and or my family it's going to be him if I have any say in it.